Nyang Nyang Beach, worth the trek

Idyllic: The view of Nyang Nyang Beach from the top of the hill is breathtaking.

Among Bali’s many hidden points of beauty is the beach at Nyang Nyang in Pecatu village, a hilly area of Badung regency.

It is located approximately 30 kilometers from Denpasar, around a 60-minute drive due to the undulating roads. You can find it off the same route as the famous Uluwatu Temple.

However, it can be tricky to get to your final destination as there are not too many clues along the road to lead you there. The beach is well hidden, while access to it is unpaved and covered in limestone, so requiring careful navigation.

But once you are there, Nyang Nyang Beach is certainly a great place to calm your mind, being quiet and far from the stressful activities of the city. Its soft white sand and the stretch of green grass alongside it can be beneficial to better your mood.

Despite the inconvenient access and being difficult to find, Nyang Nyang Beach is quite popular among foreign tourists who are keen to surf as the waves are fairly large. Taking a walk, sunbathing or relaxing on the beach while enjoying the view gives you a feeling you might not get from other beaches.

Long trek: It is a tiring walk through the forest to get to the beach.

According to Ketut Suwena, 55, a local, some visitors even camp on the beach. “It is so quiet, so suitable to calm themselves throughout the day,” he said.

Suwena cares for his cattle every day. But during his leisure time, at low tide, he usually goes looking for seaweed growing on the rocks. “When the water recedes, I go look for seaweed. After drying it naturally in the sun, I sell it,” Suwena said.

Revenue: The seaweed in the rock pools can be collected, dried and sold.

In Suwena’s opinion, Nyang Nyang is just as good as other beaches located in South Kuta, such as Kuta and Legian.

“Quite a lot of visitors come on weekends, but still it’s not crowded like other beaches,” he said.

To access the beach at Nyang Nyang, you will have to take the long tortuous stairway from the parking area. If you need a moment to catch your breath while descending, you can enjoy the lush trees growing around you and the sound of chirping birds.

There are also a few places designed to serve as seats for visitors to rest on the long walk up and down. You are likely to see wild monkeys swinging from one tree to another while you rest. Although these monkeys will not disturb you, do remain vigilant against their inquisitive nature.

Visitors who have visited the beach before and know about the monkeys usually bring them snacks such as peanuts.

Wildlife: Wild long-tailed Balinese monkeys can be seen sitting in the trees.